Is it illegal for a dog to be off its leash?

In Washington, it is illegal for a dog to be off its leash unless it is in a designated off-leash area. Dog owners are responsible for the safety of their pets and those around them. Under the state’s Dog Bite Law, if a dog is roaming outside its owner’s property without being restrained by a leash, collar, or other device, its owner can be held liable if the dog bites or injures someone. The Dog Bite Law also holds that any dog owner whose pet is in violation of the state’s leash law may be liable for injuries caused by their pet regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known the animal was off its leash. Additionally, a negligent dog owner can be held liable for up to three times the amount of the victim’s damages if it is found that the owner knew their animal was likely to cause harm. By contrast, if the dog was on a leash, or otherwise legally restrained, its owner can only be held liable if they knew or had reason to know the animal was likely to cause harm. All Washington dog owners must take responsibility for their pet’s actions and ensure that their animals are adequately restrained to prevent potential injury to themselves or others.

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Is it illegal for a dog to be off its leash?

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